Our biggest fantasy football draft guide ever is set to release in one week, and below is a free preview with the ranking, projection, and outlook for one player at each position. This preview also includes a “Bold Prediction” and “Interesting Stat to Know” (each team has one in the draft guide), and there is a Best Ball Mania III strategy section as well.
Quarterback Preview
9. Russell Wilson, DEN
2021 statistics: 64.8%, 3,113 YDS, 25 TD, 6 INT | 43 ATT, 183 YDS, 2 TD
2022 projections: 67.1%, 4,384 YDS, 33 TD, 8 INT | 49 ATT, 230 YDS, 2 TD
A new team for Wilson feels like it will be a breath of fresh air as he enters his age-33/34 season, and that’s partly due to him orchestrating the same offense—under new Denver head coach Nathaniel Hackett—that has led to Aaron Rodgers winning back-to-back NFL MVP awards. In general, Wilson has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league over the past decade, and we’re expecting him to quickly click with a very balanced group of weapons while being protected by arguably the best offensive line he’s ever had. We’d guess a decrease in rushing production will be the new norm for Wilson, but he remains a highly accurate passer capable of magical plays on the move and could find himself back among the top fantasy quarterbacks.
Running Back Preview
33. Ronald Jones II, KC
2021 statistics: 101 ATT, 428 YDS, 4 TD | 10 REC, 64 YDS
2022 projections: 135 ATT, 621 YDS, 6 TD | 21 REC, 155 YDS, 1 TD
Jones has said everyone is ready to “eat” after signing with the Chiefs, and as stated, a hot-hand approach at running will give him an excellent opportunity to fill his plate in one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. Andy Reid highlighting the ability of Jones as a runner—mentioning his size, speed, vision, and toughness—is notable, and there is a definite chance he emerges as the lead early-down option with Edwards-Helaire being in more of the third-down role. Reid’s comments about Jones also included that they would give the former Buc a chance to be “a major part” of the offense. We’re very optimistic about Jones as a high-upside target in the middle rounds.
Wide Receiver Preview
53. Jameson Williams, DET
2021 statistics (college): 79 REC, 1,572 YDS, 15 TD | 3 ATT, 23 YDS
2022 projections: 46 REC, 741 YDS, 4 TD | 2 ATT, 15 YDS
Our top wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams possesses game-breaking speed and explosiveness with smoothness as a pass-catcher to match it. He’s coming off a torn ACL suffered in early January, but Williams will clearly have a chip on his shoulder based on his reaction to being the fourth wideout selected in the draft, and Detroit has big plans for him after moving up 20 spots to take him with the No. 12 overall pick. Perhaps he’ll be a better real-life option to begin his career, but Williams has the makings of a league-winner if he can round into form by December with a stretch of great on-paper matchups (v JAX, v MIN, @ NYJ, @ CAR, v CHI).
Tight End Preview
5. George Kittle, SF
2021 statistics: 71 REC, 910 YDS, 6 TD | 3 ATT, 20 YDS
2022 projections: 71 REC, 923 YDS, 6 TD | 4 ATT, 23 YDS
Mark Andrews (235.1 fantasy points) and Travis Kelce (205.4) clearly separated themselves from the pack in 2021, but Kittle finished as the overall TE3 with 159.0 fantasy points, and the 28-year-old is squarely in his prime. Trey Lance being an unknown is the factor that puts Kittle below the other potential high-end TE1 options, and he’s not shown the same kind of touchdown upside with 20 scores in 67 games. That said, Kittle has had some huge performances with quarterbacks other than Jimmy Garoppolo in the past—with a 17-game sample size since his rookie season of 103 receptions, 1,558 yards, and six touchdowns. He’s arguably the best real-life tight end in football and could be a high-end fantasy option once again.
Bold Prediction Preview
Baltimore Ravens: James Proche II will lead all Baltimore wide receivers in receptions.
The trade of Marquise Brown alone leaves behind 146 targets for the Ravens from last season, and they haven’t been in a hurry to add a veteran with a stable of young options on the roster—including Proche, Devin Duvernay, and Tylan Wallace (in addition to 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman). Although not getting much buzz right now, Proche caught 16-of-20 targets for 202 yards (10.1 yards per target) last season, and he was a favorite of ours coming out of SMU with strong hands and technically sound route-running. Earning a role in the slot could lead to Proche soaking up targets with defenders being pulled towards Mark Andrews at tight end.
Interesting Stats to Know Preview
Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray has a 15-8-1 record in September and October with 264.7 passing yards per game. He has a 6-13 record in November and December with 238.8 passing yards per game.
Fantasy Consigliere members get the guide for free as a PDF, but it will also be available as a physical book on Amazon. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.